hughes



L. P. HUGHES.

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A P P L l C A T I O N F L E D D E C 3 0 l l 9 2 O.

1,4055 1 5, Patented Feb. 7, 1922.

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PRINTING PRESS.

APPLlcAloN FILED umso, 1920.

Patented Feb. 7, 1922.

S11/wanton L. P. HUGHES.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLxcATloN FILED umso. 1920.

1,405,51 5, Patented Feb. 7, 1922.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Suva/Moz L. P. HUGHES.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED umso. Iszo.

Patented Feb. 7, 1922.

9 SHEETS--SHEET 4.

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PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED Dsc. a0, 1920.

Patented Feb. 7, 1922.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 5 L. P. HUGHES.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED Dic. 30. 1920.

Patented Feb. 7, 1922.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 6| 7 II I f 'iff IlI IlI l I. P. HUGHES.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 30| 1920.A

9 SHEETS-SHEET T.

Afa

Patented Feb. 7, 1922.

L. P. HUGHES. PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC- 30, 1920.

Patented Feb. 7, 1922.

9 SHEETS-SHEET B.

J1/www0@ Een' Il? y 4 L. P. HUGHES.

PRINTING PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED Dc.3o.192o.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

PATENT OFFICE.

LEVI P. HUGHES, 0F HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY.

PRINTING PRESS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 7, 1922.

Application led December 30, 1920. Serial No. 434,015.

To all whom 'it may concern Re it known that I, Lnvi P. HUGHES, a citizenot the United States, and a resident ot' Hoboken, county of Hudson, and State ot New Jersey, have invented new and useful Improvements in Printing Presses, (Case 3,) ot which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to printing presses and embodies certain improvements over the multii'oi'm printing press disclosed in my copending application, Serial Number 313,717, i'iled July 28, 1919. The present invention, like that of the aforesaid pending application, is t'or a printing press especially adapted for imprinting and numbering sheets of bank checks, and for other like uses where sheets receive a series of successive impressions from the same type.

The various features of novelty of my present invention will become apparent from a detailed description of the machine illnstrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a plan view of a printing` press embodying the novel features ot my invention, certain parts (such as the inkdistributing rollers) being broken away for clearness Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the machine;

Fig. 3 shows a front end view ot the machine;

Fig. 3a is a detached diagrammatic view illustrating the operation oi the lfirst and second stops for the sheets;

l'fig. d is av longitudinal cross-section approximately on line ei--ei o't Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a plan view in section, taken approximately on line of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary detail View showing the ar angement of the inking roller relative to the printing bar, this view being taken approximately on line 6-6 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view of that portion of the machine which contains ad instable stops t'or the sheets` the printing head and inking mechanism being omitted Vfor clearness;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 7

Figs. 9 and 10 are, respectively, a side viewand a front end view of one of the typechases mounted on the printing bar;

Figs. 11 and 12 are, respectively, a side viewland a rear end View of another forni of type-chase, Fig. 11 being partly in se tion tor the sake of clearness;

Figs 13 and lei, are, respectively, a side view and a rear end view of still a different construction oi type-chase, port-ions of these figures being in section;

Fig. 15 is a detached view in perspective of the side-registering device and the cams for operating it;

Fig. 16 is an end view otl the clamping jaws of the side-registering device; n

Fig. 17 is a detached side view of the cani which operates the movable jaw of the sideregistering mechanism;

Fig. 18 is a cross-section on line 18-18 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a side View of the cam which controls the reciprocating movements of the side-registering device;

Fig. 2O shows, respectively, cross-sectional and side views of the cam which operates the third or last set of stops for the sheets;

Fig. 21 shows, respectively, cross-sectional and side views of the cam which operates the so-called gate stops;

Fig. 22 shows, respectively, cross-sectional and side views oi the cam which controls the operation of the lifting or delivery tingers;

Fig. 23 shows a perspective view ot' the cam which controls the iii-st and second sets of stops for the sheets;

Fig. 24 is a face view of the cam which controls the movements of the inking rol'- ers;

Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view on line 25 ot' Fig. 24;

F ig. 26 shows a form ot cam 'lor operating the printing mechanism, the parts being shown in uppermost position;

Fig. 27 is a view similar to Fig. 2G, with the parts represented in lowermost or printine position;

Fig. 28 is a tragmentary side view, showing how the guide rails are supported over the feed tapes;

Fig. 29 is a fragmentary side view showing how the VFeed rollers are pivotally snpported; and

F ig. 3() is a plan view oi Fig. 29.

Since my cti-pending basic application, already ret'erred to, recites in detail the objects and advantages of a. printing press in which sheets ot' paper (such as bank checks) are automatically moved into successive printing positions to receive impressions in each position, I need not repeat such statements here in the 'form of a preliminary explanation. I will, therefore. at onee tale np a. detailed description or the improved Feeding mechanism.

The operating parts of the niaeliine are supported in a framework, preierably el?, metal7 and (roughly speaking) rectangular in shape or outline. This Viframework coinprises side bieces indicated as a whole by and B, respectively, Wliieli are eonneetefil by cross-pieces to 'forni a rigid struction. The side pieces A and B may each consi.;` of a single casting in which th parte are preferably cl'iiinnel-shaped :in ci'oss-se1tiei'i for` Jgreater strength. iin tap et the snpporting framework, at the front end thereof, is supported a feed table C and :it the rear end ot' the traine-Work is a receiving); or delivery table D. The sheets of paper are fed from the table (l into be inaeliine and the printed sheets are autoniati rally dw posited on the receiving;l table will later be explained :in detail.

The sheets are iarried through 'the chine on eontii'iuously runn tapes "y which are driven in the d reetion o" arrow (L in Figs. l and 2ltope il are in the torni ot endless belts d are mounted on rollers 2 and .il z sportirely7 :it tbe trent and i i ll 'ainoworle 'Vlie trent rollers ire inou t ed on a slia'lit rotatably lionrna d in o sides o't the tran'ieivork7 as intimated at "3 and (5 in Fig. il. The rear 1ell-ers 5l are mounted on o, transverse sl. w' also jonrnaled in the sides o? the troni The 'te 1i d orlt. as best shown in Fig. l. The shalt 7 er.. :ies one end a sprocket -wheel S (see Figi'. i). .rliieli is connected by a sprocket chain il ith a si'iroclcet Wheel l0. .fis shown in if.. f' and the sliroeliet wheel l() is ino: t' near one ond ot a transverse slia'i't lil suit ably jouriialei'l betweei the sides olf the Yfr; nieivorlt. The shaft ll may ln'oadly be referred to :is the power shariy or driving power Afor the ifarions nier-banisins ol. the machine. tbe power slia'lt ll projeer' piree .fi and mirri/es a large i b is connected vby a driving oel't electric motor indieatid a whole :is The niolor M, o'li any approved rerustru-e-4 tion. is mounted on a b aelet lil. which is :ullustably supported on a pair el.i trani-averse rods 11' and 1G lined in the :sides the 'trainen'orlf. as best shoivii in l"1' i The briirlet lfl- 1s secured to the roi. end l@ nel; niej; n'oifres to rods i? arias l.'

by ineans o't split arms 1'? and 'ii be provided with cimplementar1 torni openings through which and lo extend.

end 1S together in any suitable Way, es by .ns et bolts 19'., the bracket lll is rigidly ed in place. By merely loosening the bolts i9. the bracleft may be shifted along the A erting rods 15E and l@ to bring` the u 2G et the motor M into alignment ,i the inlley l2. Resid being adjust sversely ol: the .'raiiieuorl. as dene motor M is also adjustable lony oit' the ilfranieworlc to perinit regthe tension ot the belt lf3. This iinal adjustment o' the inotor is conf y e'll'ected by mounting the inotor on the bracket ist, as by having ifas .iolts Qi engage in slotted openings Y bracket lei, iiidieated in Fig. 2. #told adjustment of the motor on ne vork permits the ready installaany suitable style Vor size et motor. se, the power shaft ll may be cono any other source el power and tbe lo is. thereto-e, to be regarded as il representing any suitable moons Vfor clrfuiiigi` the sliat't ll.

ln order to avoid the iixid bed plate 24.-, ou which the linrintine takes place (as later explained), the feeding tapes l pass around i pair it upper rollers 25 and a pair ol lower rollers QG, :is best shown in l. "Vith 'the 'ieed tapes l cooperate .toed rollwronged to rest always ir Contact with ies. so that tl'ie sheets are held against inning); tapes and 'lied loi-'ward with intj-,x lu the particular mai-.bine shown bese 'feed rollers are arts. The first set ot Vee-il in the drawings.

ranged Vin three S7 is supported on a transverse rod llie's. 7 and Si., which is nioi'inted to in suitable bearings in the side pieces and ol the 'Framework'. The second set o? 'Feed rollers 29 is carrilL by a transverse Sli'. rotztsoly supported liietween the f of the 'ti'aniewin'le es best shown in i There a third sot et :Feed rollers ill Carried by i transverse rook bar .92 lionille'terrinej to these lifi'i'ires. il' will sorti lhat tbe roller 27 mounted on a .L in f'l'l earrinl between a pair ot' link." 2354i. ...isp

l: are hung; on a pin or stud El?) in tbe j, i ."i bolt or screw-llireacted eKtenson projecting 'troni the block lil, passes through an opening` in the bar or rod 2S, und :i nut R8 soeur is the bloei- 3G to the roeli bnr llt fill be seen troni Fig. 29 that.

" "respective ol: the rocking' ot thetransversc i lo the roller 2T will always rest bv gravity on the tape l. rllhe purpose of rocking the transverse bars Q8. 130 and 32. and the connections by which such rocking is effected, will be described later Vwhen l come to taire up the stop mechanism of my machine.

A suitable device may be provided for adjusting the tension of the feed tapes 1. For this purpose l have shown rollers 39 and 4() (see Figs. 2 and 4) around which the tapes are led. The rollers 239 are carried by a transverse rod .41 mounted between a pair of arms 4:2, which are pivot-ed on a transverse shaft 453. the latter being suitably journaled .in the sides of the framework. By means ot a lever 44, the rollers 39 are moved up and down to place the proper degree of tension on the tapes 1, as will be clearly understood.

Preferably I employ means for guiding the sheets from the feed table C onto the tapes l, so that the left edge of the advancing sheet is sure to be properly positioned with .respect to the side-registering mechanism (to be described later). To this end I provide the feedV table C with an adjustable eX- tension 45. 1f this extension is made of wood l preferably attach to it a metal strip 46 to provide a guiding edge or shoulder 47 (see Figs. 1 and Any suitable means may be employed for adjusting the extension 45 transversely of the feed table 46. l have shown bolts 4S passing` through slots 49 in the feed table C (see Figs. l and'S). This permits movement of the extension 45 transversely of the machine in order to bring the guiding edge 47 into the exact position. By means of wing nuts 50, or otherwise, the bolts 48 are drawn tight to hold the extenw sion 45 in adjusted position. ln practice, the sheets to be printed are placed in a pile upon the extension 45 and are ted by the operator one by one into the machine by simply being` placed with the left edge in contact with the shoulder -l-'T and then pushed forwardly on to the feed tapes l. As soon as the forward edge of the sheet comes between the feed tapes and the first set of feed rollers 2T, the operator need pay no further attention to the sheets, for the machine automatically does the rest, as will subsequently more fully appear.

Stop 7n @cli afa-ism.

The transverse roel; bar QS carries a pair o f rearwardly projecting rods 51 (see Figs. l, 4 and 7), which are at their free end provided with downwardly entcndinfr stops 52. -is seen from Fig. l, the stops o2 are arranged to extend between the adjacent feed tapes, so as to project into the path of the advancing sheet and arrest the same when the stops are in lowered position. rllhe stops may conveniently be termed the gate stops, because they constitute a sort of gate or barrier which stops the sheet prior to its advance into the first printing position. At one end of the bar or shaft 28 is fixed an arm 53 carrying at its free end a roller 54 as shown in Figs. Q and 8. The roller 54 is arranged to engage the edge of a cam 55 fixed upon a shaft 5G, as best illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. The shaft 56, which I will call the cam shaft, is mounted lengthwise on top of the side piece A of the framework in suitable bearings 57 and 5S. The roller 54 is held pressed against the underside of the cam 55 by a spring 59, or otherwise. The spring 59 is secured at one end to a fixed bracket 60 (see Fig. 7) and at the other end to a suitable arm (not shown) extending from the shaft 2S. The form of the cam is shown in the two detail views of Fig. 21, from which it will be seen that the edge of the cam consists of a lower section 61 and a raised portion (i2. The section G1 may be called the open or inoperative portion ofthe cam, because, when the roller 54 is in contact with that section, the gate stops 52 are lifted and allow the sheet to pass on. When the raised portion G2 is in contact with the roller 54, the shaft 2S is held down and the stops 52 are in the path of the sheet.

I will now describe the stops which hold the sheets in the first printing position. On a transverse shaft or bar 63, rotatably journaled in the side of the framework below the upper section of the feed tapes 1, are Xed forwardly extending lingers (34, of which three are shown in the present embodiment (see Figs. 1, 4 and 7). The lingers 64 terminato at their free ends in upwardly projecting stops As best illustrated in Fig. 7, the stops 65 are arranged between adjacent feeding tapes and terminate in a line approximately at the rear edge of the bed plato Q4. The stops 65 may be called the iirst-position stops for the sheets, because they arrest the advancing sheet in the first printing position.

The sheets aresarrested in their second printing position by the stops 66 carried at the ends of a cross-bar 6T adjustably mounted on the transverse shaft 30, previously referred to. This is best shown in Fig. 7. The shaft 3f) has a pair of rearwardly eX- tendiug pins G8 on which the bar G7 is slidably mounted. By means of a screw-threaded bolt or pin 69 and nuts 70, the rod 67 and thereby the stops GG may be adjusted into the required position lengthwise of the machinethat is to say. toward and away from the printing lied plate 24. The precise position of the adjustable stops G6 will, of course, depend upon the form and style of sheet on which the printingis beingdone,and the purpose of making the stops 66 adjustable is to take care of different sizes and styles of sheets by quick and easy adjustment. 1f desired`r springs T1 may be mounted 0n the inns e to iisish the sinne firmly :in sitioii.

The transverse shafts f3 l iii'i'y the first :ind seeoiit siens :ind GG.

end

JV toe'ethei hik ii in i 7;v and T3, is sliown in et Fig. 7 :ind diagramme iii Fiji'. Sa. The eri i 72 is (33 and the iiim 723 on the s" ends of these arms hy :i pin o1' stud or iffiielinej of one ii eoiiespondine' me vei .V Y`

is provided :it its (see Figs. 7 :ind i to heer constantly iiiiiiiiist the crown eem 7T fixed 'upon the @sin sh AV detached perspective view of thin, eine shown in Fier. 223. The oneizitive et U l i; .:im eonsists of three sections Z'e f i i.

The i'ollei 76 is eonstiintl;y ifiifesfi this tem edge hy siiitiihie spr" :is :i sprinii; 8l, which is seen. end to (or near) the pir: i. l connection et the iirins 72 :ind 'T31 ziiid :it iiiiiie end to :i fixed point oit the iiieineivo it.

The die;A

greiiiiniitie View of hifi'. 3a eleiiifiiy iiidi'iites ier eiiiises the spring 8l to iifrtiiiite) shiit'ts (39 :ind ivi-) into tliie tions. then the roller middle section Tf) oi the (zaini iietiizites c in Fig. 23, since the eem sha1. in the direction of the arrow 1 \Vhen the roller passes trein lig, Tf) en to the lowest edge oi' section Sii the Cont 'noting spring Si i'fmls the shiitt- (il the direction of the zii'i'oii" /Z iiiid :it the siiiiw time reeks the sliziit 3G in the direi the :ii'row e, reference h'ino' hed to This ineens that the iistfkiositi fire thrown upwardly7 into st tion, :is indicated :it G5 in l? seeond-positien .si-ops (5G ii wiii'dly into iin iiioiiiifiitiie po. roughly indicated :it (36. When .76 piisses ,troni the lowest eem senti-on to the highest section 78, the shii'tts (iif :ind 3() :1re rocked reversely to their piivioiis movement, :is indicated hy the eri-oi :ind e', respeetively. This ineens the stops 65 :ire thrown down into inoiiei. position, indieiited zit (35a, while the (36 iii'e thrown down into nrrestiiie1 positimr :is indicated :it 66"'. After this comes :iggiiiii gositioii et the stops G5 end G6,v .d5 explained. :ind` this rele oit operu ation is repeated.

I lcome now to the third set et stops for advancing sheets. The t 'inf-verse shaft .les s pair oit ifeai-wei'i fg' iiik iectiiigil `pins on which is slidiiiiljiv iiioiinted, :i rod 82E ded its ends with doiinii'iiii'dly eX- is liest sheen in holt S5. efii'iending passes thioiigi'h he nuts S()a the ,d thereby ere ie sheilt ee inter the shaft .i

position stops SL11 mi Lio ops Si. iY'-i'.'hi'eiided pin or dy from the her t 3Q. R3 tiiiiiinn id. the stoi'is 813. i fiiid and zii ed. sni'in ..12 .se the heil words.l the thii V!\ ljiistfiole siinihiriji to the ,ond-po steps GG. so that the distance between e5 :ind GG :ind second :ind third ehh. to zieeoniinoeiioe between t ie e :ind 84 :ire edjiist 'particular :torni or sti/fie of s ieet. "iiiisi/'erse shiiiit 32;. ",fhieh C-iiriies the ses oit stops Sil-.i is zit end vprovided :in erin SS ceri-)fing et its free end und second :tens

ii'itii roller 3f). :is liest shown in Figs. 2 :ind The Vroller 8) is eisi'zingfed to heir against the enge of e, eem Q0 fixed iipoii the Coniiiieii shaft 5G. iis sheiiiii in Figi'. 20, 'tl t" i. 1 i i .lf Y); wie me et lie `.im niis ii Lmiei poition 9i ind e. raised portion Eiiiitiihle epriiib meins,` siieh iis :i spring 93 (see oitioii of hierg 7) is provided for I the roller 89 in construit iontaet edge oi? eiiin 90. The spring' 9B 'ts lower end seeiiifed to iir downwiiriilly erin (not shoi'ii) oi' the trains- .t 32 end zit its ripper end to ii :i hi'iieket 95 iixed to the side piece ii'iinieiifoih. There :iife two ot ,Je .eide hi'iiel-ets Sie. :is shoii'n in Figi: l. ie right-hand bracket is roughly indicated dotted lines in Fie'. 7. "lhe liriiel'zeis 95 secured te the top oit the sides AA find aire ii iii-,r hoits (i or otherwise.

lVhei the 'oller is in eoiitiiet `with the edge 91 et the eziiii 90, the steps Sit ere in raised position ont of the iizith ot the :idfiziiieinig sheet. 1W hen the roller 8S) enthe raised edge oi? the eem 90, fiiy to hiiiie Y. stops 84tinto the path et tl idi'ziiif-ingi' :ind therehjvv :iiifest the sinne. The tint; position ot' the stops tlis indiait 841; in Fig. 2S.

As tie stops (3G and Si are rinsed troni stopping to inoperative position. it might sometimes hiippen the/t the tori'viird portion of the sheet might l e eiii Tied iii) iiloiig; with -L the rising stops and. that might i'esiilt in ii buckling up of the sheet. To iii-event the possible occurrence oit this. I provide gni/.ling means which positiv/.iiiT strip the sheet from the rising` stops :ind guide the Cri same forwardly over the feed tapes. ln the machine illustrated in the drawings, this guiiling means consists of one or more rails 96 secured to the transverse shafts 50 and 32, reference being had to Figs. T and 2S. In Fig. 7 I have shownfthe two outer guide rails in full lines and the two intermediate rails in dotted lines. The number and piecise location of these guide rails are immaterial, as long as 'l-hty are arranged not to interfere with the operation of the stops.

The detail view of Fig. 2S hows the construction of the guide rails 96 and also the way in which they are secured to the transverse shafts B0 and 32. r1`hese shafts are shown square in cross-section, except that they are provided with aligned notches or grooves 9'1" in which the shaft is for convenience made circular in crosssection. Each guide rail 96 is provided with a pair of curved extensions 9S adapted to hook over the notched portions 9T of the shafts 30 and 32. Suitable fastening devices. such as bolts 99. lock the guide rails 96 securely On the shafts 30 and 32; while at the sfin'ie time permitting ready removal of the guides when necessary. As seen from F ig. 2S, the guide rails 9G are arranged with the lower edge 100 below the normal position of the stops 66 and S4, but above these stops when the latter are in lowered or stopping position. Preferably, the front edge of the guide rail 96 is rounded, as indicated at 1017 to guide the front edge of the sheet downwardly. 1t is clear from Fig. 2S that should a sheet be caught on the rising stops 66 and S4, the edges 100 of the guide rails 96 will strip the sheet from the stops and either guide it along its forward movement or allow it to fall on to the feed tapes l. which will carry it forwardly to the next stops or to the delivery end of the machine.

Connections for (Zr/'amig com ,Sdu/$1956.

The longitudinal cam shaft 56 is driven at the proper speed through the 'following connections: A. bevel gear 102 is secured on the shaft 56 near the rear end thereof, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and particularly in Figs. 7 land 8. The bevel gear 102 is :irrang'ed in mesh with a bevel gear 102% fixed on the upper end of a vertical shaft 101.-. As shown in Fig. 2, the shaft 104 is mounted in bearings 105 and 106 ,carried b v the side piece A of the supporting frame. The lower end of the vertical shaft 10ft carries a bevel gear 107 arranged to mesh with a bevel gear 108 mounted at the left end of a transverse shaft 1.09. as shown in Figs. 2, S. et

and 5. Near the right-hand end of the shaft 109 is fixed a large-bevel gear 11.0.'as best illustrated in Figs. 3 and The side piece B of the supporting framework carries a bracket 111 which has a pair of aligned vbearings 112 (see Figs. 3, 4 and. 5).

The bea rings 112 are arranged at an angle and support a shaft 113. The upper end ot the shaft 113 carries a small bevel gear lill, which is permanently in mesh with the large bevel gear 110 fixed on the transverse shaft 109. riihe lower end of the rotatable shaft 113 has a bevel gear 115 in mesh with a bevel gear 116 fixed upon a transverse shaft 1,17. it will be clear that by means of the connections just described, the rotation of the transverse shaft 117 is transmitted to the cam shaft 5G.

The shaft 11T has mounted thereon a large gear 118. which is capable of rotation on the shaft 'independently thereof. The gear 118 is permanently in mesh with a pinion 119 fixed upon the power shaft ,11, as best shown in Figs. 2 and 5. As previously described, the power shaft 11 is driven by the electric motor M. rThe gear 118 will. therefore. rotate while the motor is running. To control the operation of the shaft 1177 1 interpose a suitable clutch. which l have indicated as a whole by K, in Figs. 3 and As this clutch 'forms no part of my invention. and as any approved construction of clutch may be employed for coupling thc shaft 11T to the gear 118. 1 have not deemed it necessari' to show and describe in detail the clutch K. 1t will be sufiicent if I state that as long as the pedal 120 is held in raised position by the spring 121 (see Figs. 2, 3 and 5), the clutch K is idle-that is to say, thereis no operative connection between the gear 11S and the shaft 117, The pedal `120 is fixed on a pivoted rod 122 which carries a rearwardly extending arm 1237 as best shown in Fig. 2. 'lo the free end of the arm pivoted a link 121; which connects at its upper end with a pivoted donl or vpawl 125 (see Figs. :E aud Si). When Vthe operator presses the pedal down, the link` 1211 is pushed upwardly and the dog 125 is thrown out to allow a pin (not shown) to connect the clutch l( with the gear 11S.r "whereupon the shaft 11T becomes operatively connected to the gear 11S. .it is obvious that any suitable means may be employed for starting and stopping the shaft- 11T at the will ot' the operator, and the clutch K, to which I have i'c"ei'i'etl. together with the connections for operating it, are to be considered merely in an illustrative sense,

Print/ng medion/ism.

le have seen from the foregoing how the sheets are fed into the machine and automatically arried from one printing position to another. l will now describe the mechanisin which imprints the desired data or characters upon the sheets in each of their 'print-ing positions. printing bar 126 is mounted transversely of the framework in vertical alignment with the fixed bed plate 2-1, as may be seen from Fig. et. The printing bar 126 is pivotally supported by and between a air olf end blocks 127, as shown in Fig. 3. )ivot pins 1.32', indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1, project from the ends ot' the printing bar 126 into the blocks 127 and permit the bar to be swung upwardly and forwardly for a purpose to be presently de.- scribed. Suitable latchesl are provided ,tor holding the bar 126 in fixed position on the end blocks 127. Referring to Fig. 1, I have shown there a pair of latches 129 having a slot 130 adapted to engage a headed screw or bolt 131 carried by each of the end blocks 127. By loosening the screws 13 thc latches 129 may be shifted outwardly to release the bar 126. In Fig. 1 the latches 12S) are shown in locking position.

The blocks 127 are rigidly secured to the upper ends of two pairs ot vertical rods 12'3 The body portions ot these rods are shown square and are accommodated in vertical recesses 1.33 formed in the side pieces A and B of the framework (see Figs. 5 and 7). The upper ends of the rods 1.333 are screwthreaded and pass through the blecllrs 127, nuts 134 being used to clamp the blocks securely on the rods 132, as best shown in F igs. 2 and 3. At their lower ends the rods 132 are rigidly connected (in any suitable way) to a cross-head 135, which is arranged to reciprocate vertically between the uprights 136 of the side pieces A and B (see Figs. and 4). The cross-head 135 is provided with a pair of spaced lugs 137 carrying a pin 13S (see Figs. 3 and 4), and on this pin is pivotcd the upper end of a link or arm 139. The arm 139 terminates in a saddle-shaped or semi-circular member 140 to which. is secured a similarly shaped member 141, by means ot bolts 142, or otherwise. This is best indicated in Figs. and 4. The two saddleshaped members 140 and 141 'lorin a circular chamber within which operates an eccentric ring 1.43 fixed upon the shaft 117. It will be clear from Fig. 4 that as the eccentric ring 143 revolves with the sha ,t 11,7, it causes an up and down movement of the 'wad 135 through the arm 139. The. pivot-ed pin 1258 allows the necessary swinging movement ol' the arm 1.39. The eccentric mechaiiism 'inst described is but one o1 several means that maybe employed ttor producing the required vertical reciprocation o1 the printing bar 126, and I will have it clearly understood that I do not intend to be limited to any specie form of mechanism tor operating the printing bar. In Figs. 26 :indi27 is shown what at the present time I regard as a preterred tormo'f cam mechanism `tor operating the printing bar 126, and one which I have successfully employed in actual practice.

`Instead of the saddle-shapedv arm 12W-140,

previously descrilgied, I may use and in. some machines have used) an arm .1 provided at its lower end with a longiturhnal slot 145 embracing the shaft 117. Intermediate its ends the arm 144 carries a roller 146 arranged to operate in the groove 147 o1 a cam disk 148, which is fixed upon the shatt 1.1.7 so as to rotate therewith. The cam groove 147 has a concentric section 147, which is bounded by the dotted lines and e" and extends ove a distance of approximately 1200. The concentric portion 147"y may be termed tl e. dwell portion, because during the interval in which the roller 146 operates in that section ot `the cam groove, there is no movement of the printing head 126. In other words, the printing head. dwells, as the shopman puts it. The purpose of this dwell or rest position of the printing head will be described later on in connection with the .inkinggr mechanism. The cam disk 148 rotates in the direction ot the arrow r in Figs. 26 and 27. Thile the roller is passing through that section ot the cam groove 147 lying between the dotted line m and the point y, the printing head is descending and reaches its lowest or printing position when the roller .is in the position diagrammatically indicated by the point jz/ in Fig. 26. This lowest position ot the roller 146 is shown in Fig. 27. As the roller travels from the point y toward the line ai, the printing head gradually rises. I nia-y add that the distance from 0; to y and trom y to :a is in each ease approximately 1200.

The printing head carries one or more type-chases. In Figs. 1 and 3, I have shown three type-chases, indicated as a whole by T1. T2. and T3, respectively. In the specific .instance illustrated, the type-chase T1 is for printing a customers name lengthwise of the check; the type-chase T2 is arranged to print a customers name crosswise at the end of a check; and the type-chase T3 carries a numbering machine for successively numbering the stubs and the checks. For this purpose there will in practice be two typechases T3, but for the sake of simplicity only one is shown in Figs. 1 and 3. The details ot construction of these type-chases are shown in Figs. 9 to 14, inclusive, to which reference will now be had. I will firstde scribe t-he type-chase T1 which carries the type Yfor the customers name, This partic- .ular type-chase is illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14. It comprises an approximately U- shapcd clamp or bracket 149 having an opening 150 `tor receiving the printing bar 126. It is clear that the bracket 149 may be adjusted longitudinally ot the printing bar as well as transversely thereof. By means et a suitable screw 151, or other means, the type-chase is rigidly clamped in an adjusted position on the printing bar 126. The lower portion of the bracket v149 `terminates in (or has secured thereto) a substantially rectangular or box-like member 152, which may, for convenience, be cast integral with the bracket i419. A type-box or chase i523 is secured to the under side ot the member .52 by screws 154i, or otherwise. The type-box 1.325 has a ehan'iber 155 in wh'ch. the type is held. Bymeans ot one or more adjustable screws 156, the position ot the type within the chamber 155 may be adjusted into the desired position. lt will be seen trom the foregoing; that l have provided an exceedingly simple type-chase or carrier which is readily in- .ertable on and removable trom the printing bar 126 and which may be adjusted into the desired position loy simply looseningor tightening,` the screw 151.

The construction ot the type-chase T shown in Figs. 9 and l() is `generally similar to the tyilie--chase shown in Figs. l?) and 'i-lin that it consists ot a U-shaped lnfarkct 15T adapted to be slipped onto toe printing` bar 126 and clamped tightly in adjusted position. Til'hat was said above in regard to the adjustability ot the type-chase T1 applied to the type-chase T and l will, thereifore, not repeat the previous description. The typechase oi Figs. 9 and lll may conveniently bo called the numbering: chase and ditlers Yl'roin the signature chase T1 in the means by which the type is adjustably supported. The U- shaped bracket 157 oit' the type-chase T3 has an extension 158 provided with a wedgeshaped recess' 159 runningl longitudinally' thereof. A. type-carrying member 160 has a wedge-shaped projection 161 adapted to tit into the recess 159. whereby said member is supported by the extension 156. rThe bracket 157 has a hre' 162 provided with a hole 163. The ..vede'e-shaped projection 161 ot typecarrier 160 has hole .162i in alignment, with the hole 163 and through these holes eri;-

tends an adjustable screw or bolt 165. ."1..

pair o1 collars 166 prevent lontitui'linal movement ot the screw 165., when it is turned. lt will thus be seen that by turning the screw 165 the type-carrier is adjust-able along the extension 15S. lllhen the type chase T3 is on the printingv har 126, the turnine etx the screw 165:.idjusts the type-carrie 16() transversely et the printing bar. ln Fie: 5). l have diagrammatically indicated a numbering` machine by dotted lines 167. set-screw 168 clamps the numbering machine firmly in position. he adjustment ot the .numberiire` machine by the screw 165 is very delicate` being' practically a micrometer adjustment, and permits the precise l lation out the numbering` machine on the printing` har atter the type-chase has been moved into the desired position longitudinally ot the printiner bar. is bank checlzs litter in length and width and in the arrangement ot the usual printed matter. it becomes frequently necessary to adjust the type-chases so as to print successive numbers oft the cheeks and the custemers name in the proper positions. ln this way the machine is quickly adjusted to take care ol' various ordersI that may come in trom dill'erent banks.

ln Fig z. l and il, the numbering typechar-:e T is in position on the printing bar 126 to print successive numbers on the stubs ot the check sheets. To print corresponding number r on the checks. a second type-chase '.l'" is arranged on the printing' bar in properposition. as will be understood.

The type-chase 'lf2 shown in Figs. l1 and 1;? is lor printing;A a customers name crosswise ot the cheri: at the left-end thereot. For this purpose the type-box 169 extends transversely ot the printing liar instead ot leuuritudiinrlly thereof. as in the type-chime ll ot Fini-x il and 1l. Otherwise, there is practically no difference in construct-ion between the type-chase T] and the type-chase T2. so it will not be necessary to describe the latter in all its details. l will only say that in the type-chase T2 the type-box 169 is open 'at one side and is closed by a plate 170, which extends into a recess 171 ot the bracket 172,

-as best shown in Fin'. 19.. The adjustability oi" the type-chase T2 on the printing bar and the turther adjustability oi the type in the type-box 169 by means ot screws 17? are the same as described in connection with typechase T1.

ln order to assist in locating' the precise position of the type-chases on the printing bar 126. l prefer to provide tho upper suri'ace of this bar with `sruide lines 1.74, which run transversely as well as longitudinally, and form small squares ot predetermined dimensions` as shown in Fie: 1.

.t will be understood that the ojiieration ot the printing` mechanism is so timed with respert to the movements ot the stops 65, 66 and Slt that the advancing of the sheets 'from one position to another takes place while the printing' bar 126 is out oi" printing position, and that the sheets are held in a fixed position duringr the printing operation, which requires only a n'loment or two. i

Sfide-registering mech carismi.

For the purpose of insuring` the proper position ot the sheet during' each printing operation. l employ a device 'for positively moving` the sheets into correct position. holdine them in such position while the printing; takes place. and automatically releasing the printed sheet a'tter each printiireoperation. The side-registering device which l have herein shown is substantially the same in constructirm and operation as the mechanism shown in my co-pendinn'Y applications Serial Number 313,717. tiled July 2S. 1919, and Serial Number 354.762, filed January 29, 1920. For the sake of making` a complete description ot the machine` herein illustrated, l will describe in detail the sideregistering' device, even though such description is largely a repetition of what I have said in my aforesaid copending a pplications.

While the side-registering device is shown in the assembly views of Figs. 1 and 7, its construction and operation will be best understood by reference to 15. The tcp bar of the side piece A provided with a transverse recess 175 in which is fitted a block 176, securely held in position. by any suitable means. The block 176 provided with a longitudinal recess in which slidably mounted a bar 177 carrying the lower jaw or clamping member 178, .-.unning longitudinally of the printing press. The aw 178 is secured to the bar 1.77 in any suitable way, as by screws, bolts or rivets 179. The jaw 178 is provided with a longitudinal shoulder or edge 180 which forms a positive positioning gage for the edge of the sheet. Preferably, the front edge of the jaw 178 is rounded, as indicated at 181, so as to guide the sheet laterally, should the forwardedge thereof strike said rounded end.

The lower aw 178 is provided with a pair of pins or studs 182, on which is hinged the upper movable jaw or clamping member 183, which co-operates with the fined or lower jaw 178 to grip the sheet along its edge when the jaws areclosed. he pivoted jaw 183 is provided with a pair of downward extensions 184 which are connected by a pin 185. The lower jaw 178 carries a bracket arm 186 secured thereto by screws 186, or otherwise. A spring 187 is connected at one end to the free end of the bracket 186 and at the other end to the cross-pin 185 of the pivoted jaw 183. The normal tendency of the spring 187 is to contract and thereby move the upper jaw 183 into closed position on the lower or fixed aw 178.

The pivoted jaw 183 is provided with a transverse extension 188, the free end of which carries a roller 189 (see 18) arranged to engage the edge of the cam 190. The slidable bar 177 has an upwardly eX- tending lug 191 arranged to be engaged by the edge of the cam 192. For mechanical convenience I mount the cams 190 and 192 upon the hub 193 of the disk 194, which is secured on the cam shaft 56. The cams 190 and 192 are secured to the disk 190 upon opposite sides thereof by any suitable means,

such as screws 195. The clamping jaws 17 8- and 183 are held in forward position by expansion springs 196 coiled about a pair of rods 197 extending transversely from the side piece A of the framework. At their free or outer ends the rods 197 pass through openings in lugs 198 of the lower jaw 178. In this way the rods 197 also act as guides for the reciprocating movements of the jaws.

It will be seen from Figs. 17 and 19 that the cam 190 has three raised portions 190a and the cam 192 has three raised portions 192. The cams 190 and 192 rotate in the dithe i oui the upstanding lug 19.5. of the slidable hai' 177. the clampin jaws are drawn rearwardly (that is to toward the left side of the machine as viewed in 3) and are held in that position until the raised portion 192a reccdes from the lue` 191. Thereupon the springs 196 push the jaws forwardly toward the feed tapes in printinev position. The cams 190 and 192 are so constructed and arranged. that, as the registering device nears the end of its transverse or lateral movement toward the feeding tapes. the jaws are open to receive the left edge of the advancing sheet; and as soon as the sheet properly positioned against the edge 180 of the lower jaw 178. the pivoted jaw 183 closes and the sheet is clamped tight between the jaws. )When the jaws have thus closed upon the sheet, they are drawn back by one of the raised portions 192"L of the cam 192, and the sheet is carried into the exact printing position. During` the printing operation the jaws remain closed and stationary, firmly holding the sheetin fixed position, As soon as the printing is done., the cam 190 opens the aws and allows the sheet to be advanced over the feeding tapes 1 into the nez-1t printing posit-ion. This opening of the ja-,ws immediately after the printing operation preferably takes place just before the stops (65, 66 and 84;) rise, as otherwise the rainning tapes would tend to twist the sheet. It is to be understood that when the registering device advances toward the tapes to seize the sheet, the latter is being held against advance movement by one of the sets of stops previously referred to.

(omtteralance for prf/'fitting macht/mism.

In order to relieve the eccentric ring 1413 or the cam 148 (or whatever mechanism is used) of lifting the entire weight of the framework which carries the printing bar 126, I provide a pair of counterweights 199 adjustably mounted on the rear portions of arms 200, which extend rearwardly from brackets 201 pivoted on the shaft 109, as best shown in Fig. 5. The brackets 201 have forwardly extending arms 202 pivotally connected at their free ends by pins 203 to depending lugs or ears 204 carried by the crosshead 135 (see Fig. 3). It is clear from the foregoing that the weights 199 counterbalance the weight of the printing framework, thereby insuring its smooth and easy operf'. portions 1.92"" of the cam 192 enation and taking considerable strain off the eccentric or cam mechanism which controls the operation of the printing frame.

[ncz'ng mechanism.

For inking the type in the type-chases carried by the prining bar 126, I provide inking rollers 205 mounted on a'transverse shaft 206 in alignment with the type chases, as best shown in Fig. 3. The shaft 206 is carried by a pair of short links 207, one of which is shown in Fig. 4 and the other in Fig. 6. The links 207 are pivoted on a transverse shaft 208 carried by a pair of side bars 209, one of which is shown in Fig. 4 and the other in Fig. 6. The side bars 209 may be connected by cross rods 210 (see Figs. 4 and 6) to form a rigid framework adapted to slide in the grooves or recesses 211 of a pair of fixed guide bars 212, which form part of the side brackets indicated as a whole by 95, as already referred to. Links 213 are pivoted to the rear ends of the two side bars 209 by means of pins or studs 214. The rear ends of the links 213 are connected tothe upper ends of a pair of levers 215 by means of pins or studs 216. rlhe levers 215 are fixed at their lower ends upon a transverse shaft 217 rotatably mounted in the sides of the framework, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. A short arm or lever 218 is fixed upon the shaft 217 between the levers 215, as shown in Fig. 5, and the free end of the lever 213 is pivotally connected by a pin 219 to a rod 220 carried by a slotted arm 221 siidably mounted on the shaft 117, which extends through the slot of the arm 221 (see Fig. 4). Adjacent the reciprocable arm 221 is a cam disk 229 fixed on the shaft 117 so as to rotate therewith. rlhe cam 223 has a cam groove 224 in which engages a roller 225 carried by the lower end of the arm 221. The shape of the cam groove 224 is best shown in Fig. 24. It will be clear that as the cam 223 rotates in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figs, 4 and 24), the arm 221 will be recipro` cated and the levers 215 will be rocked back and forth. The rocking of the levers 215 produces a reciprocating movement oi' the slidabie framework ywhich carries the inking rollers 205.

Suitable spring means is provided for normally holding the inking rollers 205 upwardly against the type in the type-chases. In the drawings. I have shown a pair of springs 226 (see Figs. 3 and 4) coiled about the shaft 20S and connected at one end to the short links 207 in such a way that the prings tend to press these links upwardly. The inking rollers 205 are adjustaliile laterally along the shaft 206. so that they can readily be brought into alignment with the typechases in whatever position the latter are ad j usted on the printing bar 126.

When the framework carrying the inking rollers 205 is drawn rearwardly, the inking rollers come into contact with suitable inkdistributing rollers 227, mounted on a transverse shaft 228, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. If desired, additional rollers 229 may be arranged in contact with the large rollers 227 for distributing the ink. The transverse shaft 228 is mounted in the fixed side brackets 95. At one end of the shaft 228 is fixed a pulley 230, which is connected by a belt 231 with a ulley 232 fixed at one end of the transverse s ia-ft 7, as best shown in Fig. 2. I have already described how the shaft 7 is driven from the power shaft 11 through the chain 9. Rotation of the shaft 7 will, therefore, operate the ink-distributing rollers 227 and 229. The rollers 229 are preferably mounted so as to move transversely over the rollers 227 but as this feature forms no part of my present invention it is not necessary to show or explain it in detail.

The shaft 206, on which the inking rollers 205 are mounted, carries at one end a pinion 233 adapted to mesh with a rack 234 attached to the printing head 126 and with a rack 235 fixed on one of the side brackets 95. This construction is best shown in Fig. 6. The rack 234 is fastened to a block 234l secured to the underside of the printing bar 126 near the left end thereof (as viewed in Fig. 3). The rack 234 moves up and down with the printing head 126, while the rack 235 is stationary. The movements of the reciprocating framework which carries the inkngrollers 205 are so timed with respect to the movements of the printing bar that the rack 234 is in alignment with the fixed rack 235 when the pinion 233 is about to pass from the rack 235 to the rack 234 into position to ink the type carried by the printing bar. In Fig. 6, the printing bar 126 is at its highest point and is held stationary until the pinion 233 passes rearwardly out of engagement with the rack 234. When the pinion 233 is approximately in the position indicated by the dotted lines 233', the printing bar begins to descend to make the impression on the sheet then in position. The rest or dwell position of the printing bar 126 occurs in its highest position. The passing of the pinion 233 into and out of engagement with the rack 234 occurs while the roller 146 of the arm 144 (see Figs. 26 and 27) engages the concentric portion 147a of the cam groove 147. the inking rollers 205 would spin around rapidly as sooir as the pinion 233 left the fixed rack and this rapid rotation of the hiking rollers while in Contact with the type would not only fail to ink the type properly, but it would tend to wipe the ink off the type. rlhis diiiiculty and objection are entirely removed by providing the rack 234, which insures a slow and uniform movement of the inking rollers while passing beneath If the rack 234 were omitted,v

b izes the upward pressure on the printing rollers by the springs 226. Of course, if desired the rack and pinion arrangement at the left of the printing bar 126 could. be duplicated at the right, instead of the smooth roller 206". i

Lifting fingers.

After the sheets leave their last printing position, they are carried over a series of lifting fingers 236 fixed upon a transverse shaft 237, as shown in Fig. 1. These lingers are arranged between the feeding tapes and lie even with or slightly below the upper surface of' the tapes. The shaft 237 is provided near one end thereof with a pinion 23S adapted to mesh with a racl: 239 connected to a rod 240 (see Figs. 1 and The rack 239- may be slidably mounted in a guide or casing 241 pivoted to the side piece A at 242. The rod 240 extends from an arm 243 which has a slot 244, as shown in Fig. 2. The transverse shaft 109 extends through the slot 244s, thereby guidingl the arm 243 and the connected parts in reciprocating movement. Adjacent the arm 243 is mounted'a cam 245, which is lixeu upon the shaft- 109, so as to rotate therewith. The shape of the cam 245 is best shown in Fig. 22. The arm 243 carries a roller 2li@ arranged to ride over the edge of the cani 245. Suitable spring means, such as spring 24:7 coiled about the rod 240, forces the roller 2st-6 against the operative edge of the cam 245.

It will be clear that, as the cam 245 rotates,'the rack 239 is drawn back and forth t0 oscillate the shaft 237. This movement of the shaft 237 swings the lift-ing` fingers 236 rearwardly over the delivery table D, 0n which the printed sheets are thus de positerh and then swings the fingers bach again .into normal position. The operation of the lifting or delivery fingers 236 is so timed that as soon as the sheet has advanced. from its last printing position ovei 'the iin gers, the'shaft 237 is rocked rearwardly and the lingers carry the sheet with them. The printed sheets drop automatically on to the delivery table D, face downward. The printed and numbered sheets are thus automatically piled up in consecutive order, the smallest number' being on top when the sheets are turned over.

General operation.

The operation of my printing press will lhe edge 47 of the extension is 70 Vso adjusted with respect to the side-regis tering device that when the left edge of the sheet is placed against the ed@ l5? the edge of the sheet will he in a line slightlyv to the right' (as viewed in Fig of the 75 shoulder 180 of the clamping jaw 17S, as diagrammatically indicated by the dotted line t in Figs. 7 and 15. As each sheet is pushed forwardly over the feed tapes, it first encounters the gate stops 52 which ar rest fthe sheets before they advance into their first printing position, thereby insuring a proper and uniform feeding of the sheets. After the sheets have once passed under the first set of feed rollers 27, the further operation of the machine upon the sheets is automatic, so that the operator standing in front of the feed table (l need only do the manual worlr of feedix L the sheets forwardly one by one against the gato stops 52.

W'hen the stops 52 are raised. the sheet passes forwardly until it is arrested by the :lirst stops G5. Thereupon the side-registering` mechanism advances. grips the sheet along its left edge and pulls it laterally into the correct position to receive the .first printing. As soon as the sheet has thus lieen ad justed, the printing bar 126 descends and makes the first impression on the sheet. During the printing op ration the sheet is held stationary b v the jaws 17S and 133. After the first printing operation the sheet is automatically released and permitted te advance against the second stopsl (3G. whereupon the side-registering device again comes forward and pulls the sheet into printing position7 and the pri ae' in descends to n like the sefmw sion upon the sheet. This cy tion is then repeated for the third pur position of the sheet. ris the sheet is it leased by the third set of steps Self. it passes over the lifting fingers 29d. 'which auton matically carry it over the deliv 'v table D, on which the printed sheets fall by one in a pile.

It will be understood, of course tl at 'the wheels of the numbering marhines carried by the type-chase or chases Ti are automatically advanced one unit aft-er each A rinting operation, so that the ninnhei of the .individual checlls which .maire up the check sheets will be conseeut' Pinch numbering machines may be bought in the open market, and as their construe and operation are well understood, l neen. say nothing further about them.

To prevent the possible passage of the. advancing sheet over the first set ot stops llO 65, and also to guard against the accidental lifting of a sheet by the ascending printing bar 126, l provide one or more fingers 248 mounted on a transverse rod 249, as best shown in Figs. 7 and 8. rlhese fingers curve downwardly toward the printing bed plate 211, but do not quite touch the same, as seen in `Fig. 8. The fingers 248 extend below the top of the stops 65 when the latter are in raised position, so that it is impossible for a sheet to be lifted above those stops. ln other words, the fingers act as strippers which positively prevent the accidental lifting or buckling up of a sheet. The lingers 2118 are preferably mounted on the bar 249 so as to be slidable thereon'. Suitable means, such as screws 250, may be employed to secure the fingers in adjusted position.

if desired, a hand-wheel 251 may be fixed upon the outer end 0f shaft 117 (see Figs. 1, 3 and 5) to enable the operator to turn this shaft by hand for adjusting the position of some connected part, when the motor is not running. F or the same reason, a handwheel 252 may be provided on the shaft 228 (seeFig. 3), which carries the ink-distributing rollers 227.

lt will be seen from the foregoing detailed description of the construction and operation of my improved printingr press that l provide a compact and efficient machine for printing upon sheets a series of successive impressions from the same type. l Thile l have herein set forth a machine of a c rtain specific construction, it is to be understood that l have done so merely for the sake of illustration and not by way of restriction or limitation. l do not herein mal-te any claims to the broad features disclosed in my copending basic application, Serial Number 313,717, filed July 28, 1919.

li'lhat l claim is:

1. in a multiform sheet printing press, a plurality of'successively arranged stops a 'lapted to arrest a sheet in successive printing positions. means for adjusting said stops 'lo regulate the distance between successive tops, means for gripping tue sheet and rarr the same into predetermined position for each printing operation, and printing mechanism for printing upon the sheets in Pech adjusted position..

2. in a multiform sl eetprinter, mechanism adapted to grip the edge of a sheetand hold it adjusted in each of su cessive printing positions, stops for arresting the advancing sheet in successive printing positions, means for adjusting said stops, and printing elements adapted to print upon the sheet in each printing position.

8. in a printing press, a plurality of transverse shafts successively arranged, stops carried by each shaft to arrest a sheet, means for operating said shafts at predetermined intervals so that said stops arrest the sheets in successive printing positions, means for adjusting the stops on certain of said shafts to regulate the distance between successive printing positions, and printing mechanism for printing upon the sheets in each arrested position.

4. ln a printing press, a transverse shaft, a rod or bar slidably mounted on said shaft and substantially parallel therewith, means for adjusting said rod toward and away from said shaft and holding it in adjusted position, stops carried by said rod to arrest a sheet in printing position, means for operating said shaft to move said stops into arresting and releasing position, and printing mechanism for printing upon a sheet in arrested position.

5. In a printing press having a surface over which the sheets are fed, a transverse shaft arranged below said surface, stops carried by said shaft and having their free ends projecting upwardly above said feeding surface to arrest the sheets in their first printing position, a plurality of transverse shafts mounted successively above said feeding surface, downwardly extending stops carried by said last-mentioned transverse shafts to arrest the sheets in successive printing positions, means for operating all of said shafts to move the respective stops carried thereby into position to arrest the advancing sheets in successive printing positions, and printing mechanism for printing upon the sheets in each arrested position.

6. In a. printing press having a surface over which the sheets are fed, a transverse shaft arranged below said surface, stops carried by said shaft and having their free ends projecting upwardly above said feeding surface to arrest the sheets in their first printing position, a plurality of transverse shafts mounted successively above said feeding surface, downwardly extending stops carried by said last-mentioned transverse shafts to arrest the sheets in successive printing positions, means for adjusting said downwardly extending stops longitudinally of the feeding surface to regulate the distance between successive stops, means for operating all of said shafts to move the respective stops carried thereby into position to arrest the advancing sheets in successive printing positions, and printing mechanism for printing upon the sheets in each arrested position.

7. In a multiform sheet printing press, mechanism for arresting a sheet in successive printing positions, said mechanism including means for gripping the sheet and holding the same in adjusted position during each printing operation, and means for adjusting said mechanism to regulate the distance between successive printing positions.

8. In a printing press having tapes over 

